Houston Garage door maintenance tips

Garage doors work efficiently when properly maintained. When there is a problem with the garage door like failure to open or shut, it is appropriate to call a garage door professional.

As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to keep your door working efficiently for a long time. How often your door needs inspection depends on your weather condition but taking the following steps will prolong the life of your garage door.

Lubricate the garage door tracks

Between regular inspections by garage door professionals, use silicone spray to lubricate your garage door tracks. For those who live in areas with frequent freezing temperatures, adding a lubricant like petroleum jelly on the rubber seal at the bottom of the garage door will stop it from sticking to the ground when the temperature drops below freezing.

Avoid contacts with torsion springs

Garage door torsion springs are wound tight and under severe pressure. As a result, it is important to avoid contact with them unless you are trained to handle them. Also do not loosen any bolts or plugs on the garage door. Doing so could render them unstable and dangerous to residents and household pets.

Test your garage door

Release the garage door from the automatic system by pulling the release cord then test the functionality of the garage door to ensure it is performing efficiently. Pull the door half way up and release. If the door stays up and does not fall down or slide back up, your garage door is properly balanced. If slides up or falls down to the ground, call a professional and have them check your door's balance.

As you pull on the cord, notice the amount of effort needed to lift the door. Your door should lift easily. If it does not, you may have problems with torsion spring. Only garage door professionals should replace or service torsion springs because of the possibility of serious injury or even death.

Check garage door tracks

Check your garage door tracks to make sure there are no cracks. Cracks on the tracks or line could prevent the door from operating as it should. Replace the tracks if necessary.

Change garage door opener batteries

Regularly checking your garage door batteries is another way to ensure efficient operation. Check garage door remote opener batteries by pressing the button on the power button on the garage door remote control. A light should come on immediately indicating that the battery or batteries have enough power. If you do not see any light when you the power button is pressed or if the light is dim, you may need a new battery.

Call a garage door repair specialist

Call a garage door repair specialist to maintain and service your garage door if you do not feel comfortable doing so yourself. In Houston, call us at 281-970-3667.